Page 6-First Issue February 2017

TRiO Students 2 Scholars participated in the Women’s March

By Dalton Johnson

Dalton.Johnson@mail.umhelena.edu

Anonymous woman holding sign at Women's March. (Photo by Dalton Johnson) 

   
     
      Helena College TRiO Club Students 2 Scholars participated in the Women’s March on Montana, one day after President Trump's inauguration. TRiO Club members Amy Gazy and Dalton Johnson attended the event to represent their community and peers. An estimated 10,000 participants from across Montana gathered to march. The Women’s March on Montana was for more than just women; men, women, and children from all demographic backgrounds came together in support. 
  

Anonymous woman holding sign at Women's March. (Photo by Karen Henderson) 

      The Women’s March was a powerful event that encompassed human rights, public lands usage, and fear of changing political powers and empowered individuals and encouraged them to stay vigilant and positive in the changing future. Rally participators gathered with high spirits and cheered “Water is Life,” “This is what democracy looks like,” and “No hate in Our State.”  

Women's March on the Capital.  (Photo by Dalton Johnson)

     The day, January 21, 2017, will be recorded in Montanan history as the beginning of a larger movement across the nation. Rebecca Weston, co-organizer of the event, reminded everyone, “There’s no denying it; we are in for some dark times, but we all know the darker the night the brighter the stars.” The event promoted diversity from across the state. 

Tax Time

By: Angela Lunda
Angela.Lunda@mail.umhelena.edu

Here in the Helena community we are lucky enough to have VITA services available. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax help to people who generally make $54,000 or less, persons with disabilities and limited English speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns. IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals. This year Helena College is one of the places offering this service. It is every Saturday from February 4,2017 to April 15, 2017. It will start at 9am and go through 1pm. No appointment is necessary because it is first come first serve. To make this an easy and successful visit you must bring the following information with you:

*Proof of identification (photo ID)

* Security cards for you, your spouse, and dependents

*An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) assignment letter may be substituted for you, your spouse, and your dependents if you do not have a Social Security number

*Proof of foreign status, if applying for an ITIN

*Birth dates for you, your spouse, and dependents on the tax return

*Wage and earning statements (Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R,1099-Misc) from all employers

*Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099)

*All Forms 1095, Health Insurance Statements

*Health Insurance Exemption Certificate, if received

*A copy of last year’s federal and state returns, if available

*Proof of bank account routing and account numbers for direct deposit such as a blank check

*To file taxes electronically on a married-filing-joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms

*Total paid for daycare provider and the daycare provider's tax identifying number such as their Social Security number or business Employer Identification Number

*Forms 1095-A, B or C, Affordable Health Care Statements

If you would like more information or would like to see the other places in the Helena offering this service you can go to www.montanafreefile.org.